AP PHOTOS: Big, bold Kentucky Derby hats

(AP) - The Kentucky Derby is known as much for hats and high fashion as it is for fast horses. This year, rains are swamping Churchill Downs, but fans on the infield are still holding their heads _ and their hats _ high.

Bigger and bolder is the rule for hats that often dwarf their owners.

April Pauley of Columbus, Ohio, paraded around in the mud wearing a hat featuring flowers, a papier-mache jockey head and goggles and ribbons. "It's just my own little creation," Pauley said before taking a swig of her beer.

Here's a gallery of Kentucky Derby headwear.

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